OUR BUILDING PROCESS
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The slab and the foundations are laid and the site is prepared to have the slab poured. The plumbing pipework is also laid, as they sit beneath the slab. There can be a delay once the site due to rain, if rain does occur the concreter will have to wait for a day or two without rain to pour the concrete.
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The second phase is what we call frame stage. The timber frame and install of trusses are completed. The house starts to take shape at this stage. Critical for frame stage are any niches that you may be having that need to be framed out, for example, a recessed vanity mirror or a shower niche, and anything that affects the frame or structure needs to be built at this time.
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The third stage is lockup stage, and also includes what is called ‘rough-in’. Lockup is a large piece of the actual build. It is when all the windows, fascia and gutter, roof cover and plumbing rough in are installed, and the external cladding such as brickwork is laid. The rough-in takes place at this stage. This is where all internal walls are still open, there’s no plaster, and it is still at the frame. The electrical, plumbing pipes including your gas connection, heating ducts, and cooling are also laid. Lockup is a really important stage in terms of your selections as so much is being prepared before the plaster is installed, so make sure you have everything selected and confirmed.
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Fixing stage is where all the internal cladding (such as plaster), cabinetry, insulation, doors, skirtings, architraves are complete and installed. Also following the completion of fixing stage, waterproofing for wet areas, painting and tiling is also installed. This is also when things really start taking shape, and you can see it all coming together.
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The final stage of the build is completion and is also known as ‘fit-off’. This is when trades such as the electrician, carpenter, and plumber will come back and fit-off the light fittings, light switches, taps, showers, mirrors, door hardware and locks, and bathroom accessories. The painting is also checked and completed, and the carpets are installed just before final PCI inspection. This is the stage where you complete your final inspection with the builder or the site manager. Once your first inspection is complete, it normally takes 2 weeks for final settlement to take place. Within these 2 weeks all your appliances, hot water unit, split system, if applicable are installed and finalised, finalising your home for Handover. It’s then time to get the keys, and what a feeling that is! Make sure you have insurance before you get the keys, because all responsibility sits with you once they’re in your hands.
